After Vissel Kobe forward Ken Tokura scored what would prove to be the winning goal against J-League rivals Kawasaki Frontale with a long-range left foot drive he tore off his shirt to adopt a Balotelli-style statuesque pose, complete with rippling muscles.

Like his fellow number nine, the 26-year-old was booked for his celebration.

Manchester City’s Balotelli has emerged as a late contender for the star of Euro 2012 after scoring Italy’s goals in the 2-1 semi-final defeat of Germany.

Italy fans pose with a Mario Balotelli cutout prior to the final with Spain (Picture: Getty)

The 21-year-old joked of his team-mates after the semi-final win: ‘They didn’t get angry because I was booked for taking my shirt off, but they saw my physique and got jealous.’

As well as prompting copycat celebrations, Balotelli’s body-building routine has already sparked a meme online where images ranging from pneumatic drills to pushchairs are superimposed in front of the striker.